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Workshops

The Center of Integrated Entrepreneurship is hosting a series of entrepreneurial workshops in conjunction with the Ohio Summit Medina Business Alliance. The workshops are free to all Hiram College students, faculty and staff, $10 for alumni, and $20 for the general public. The E-Workshops take place in the East Hall Forum, 11775 Winrock Road, Hiram, OH 44234.

Upcoming Workshops:

Fall 2014

Have an idea and want to patent it or not sure if it could or should be patented? Sidoti has experience in all phases of intellectual property law. His practice involves client counseling, patent and trademark procurement, trade secret and dispute resolution. He has experience in the chemical, biochemical, materials science, and polymer arts. He also has substantial before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. Topics will include:

Rules of thumb for determining whether a particular piece of intellectual property is worth the time and expense of protecting.

Conducting basic patent searches

So, you have an idea, now what? with TBDFriday, October 17, 2014 | 3-5 PM, East Hall Forum

Is your business idea a good one? There is no magic answer to this question. Experiences has shown that some of the most bizarre ideas, such as the concept of a personal computer have turned into successful businesses, while some have not. It’s important to look critically and impartially at your business idea when determining whether or not it’s worth investing your time and money. It can be difficult to remain impartial about an idea you’re passionate about, so talk to a business advisor to get a qualified and objective perspective. Topics will include:

What is a franchise and how do you know if you should start a franchise? A franchise, aka “business-in-a-box”, can be a very appealing way to get a business started. This workshop will help you think through whether franchise ownership is "right" for you. Topics will include:

Why Own a Franchise

Pitfalls of Franchise Ownership

Misconceptions about Franchising

How to Find the Right Franchise"

And much more

Spring 2015

Government Procurement with Rich Delisio, PTAC Procurement Specialist for a five county region, including Portage County

Friday, April 10, 2014 | 3-5 PM, East Hall Forum - TENTATIVE

Can your product be marketed to the government? This workshop provides an overview of the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) program, a resource for companies interested in selling goods and services to federal, state and local governments. Topics will include:

Develop a Capability Statement (Government Marketing Tool)

Register for federal and state solicitations

Prepare for federal government solicitations with PTAC checklist

Receive RFP opportunities daily by e-mail from PTAC bid match network

Start a relationship with the PTAC network for a personal public procurement action plan

Past Workshops:

The Business Plan…Your GPSFriday, April 25, 2014 | 3-4:30PM, East Hall Forum

This workshop is a step by step look at why and how the business plan is your roadmap or GPS (Grow. Plan. Succeed), as well as the qualities that make that plan a winner. The workshop will discuss each of the components in the business plan in detail. Clients will leave with a “skeleton” plan for their reference. Workshop Facilitator: Stacey Banks Houston, CEO, RSVP Consultants

Show Me the Money Friday, March 28, 2014 | 3-4:30PM, East Hall Forum

Trying to determine the best funding option for your business? A panel of local funding specialists will discuss a variety of funding options for small business start-ups. Workshop Facilitator: Stacey Banks Houston, CEO, RSVP Consultants

Smart StartFriday, March 21, 2014 | 3-4:30PM, East Hall Forum

Begin the journey of entrepreneurship by understanding the mindset of an entrepreneur. Smart Start covers the basics of business ownership including business planning and funding options. Workshop Facilitator: Stacey Banks Houston, CEO, RSVP Consultants

Business Ownership Options: A Look into FranchisingFriday, February 21, 2014 | 3-5 PM, East Hall Forum

A franchise, aka “business-in-a-box,” can be a very appealing way to get a business started. This workshop will help you think through whether franchise ownership is “right” for you. Topics covered will include: “Why Own a Franchise,” “Pitfalls of Franchise Ownership,” “Misconceptions about Franchising,” “How to Find the Right Franchise,” and much more. Workshop Facilitator: Jack Warren (Hiram ’86), Director of Operations, Comfort Keepers, with Bonnie Warren, Owner, Comfort Keepers